News & Features
Follow mission news or learn about exciting new discoveries from NASA centers and research partners.
19 Asteroids Bagged in One Night
Feb. 28, 2011
The Pan-STARRS PS1 telescope has discovered 19 near-Earth asteroids in one night. Cataloging near-Earth asteroids is important in determining the potential for future impact events on Earth.
Arctic Changes and an Ancient Extinction
Feb. 28, 2011
Scientists are studying an exceptional episode of ancient global warming that occurred around 56 million years ago. During the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, global sea surface temperatures increased by about 5°C. Studying this period could help scientists understand how modern climate change could effect life on Earth.
Microbes and the Swirl of the Ocean
Feb. 28, 2011
New research shows that microorganisms help control the amount of light that is reflected off ocean surfaces. The amount of light that oceans absorb can have effects on our planet's climate.
Spotlight on Local Change
Feb. 28, 2011
Astrobiology Magazine's climate blog, The Hot Zone, is focusing on the local effects of climate change in different places in the world. Changing climate trends are resulting in less snow in California's Sierra Nevada mountains and more heavy rain for the state of Queensland in Australia.
The Moon's Metallic Water
Feb. 25, 2011
Even though our moon has suffered intense bombardment from asteroids and powerful radiation from the Sun, significant deposits of water remain in deep polar craters. New data from the LCROSS spacecraft has improved our understanding of this unique lunar resource and has identified other elements that are present in lunar ice.
Plankton are Key to Earth's Oxygen
Feb. 25, 2011
Researchers have provided new information about the role of plankton in the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere. The study will help scientists better understand the links between life, the environment and the habitability on Earth.
Chandra Finds Superfluid in Neutron Star's Core
Feb. 25, 2011
NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has discovered the first direct evidence for a superfluid, a bizarre, friction-free state of matter, at the core of a neutron star.
Planet Formation in Action
Feb. 24, 2011
Astronomers have gathered new data from a disc of material around a young star that is in the early stages of planetary formation. The study can help astrobiologists understand how planets form and where best to search for habitable extrasolar worlds.
The Great Moonbuggy Race
Feb. 24, 2011
Forty years after the first lunar rover rolled across the Moon, NASA's Great Moonbuggy Race is challenging future engineers to demonstrate the same ingenuity. Technologies such as this could prove essential for future human explorers on the Moon and beyond.
Next Glory Mission Launch Attempt
Feb. 24, 2011
WASHINGTON -- The launch of NASA’s Glory spacecraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is currently planned for no earlier than Friday, Feb. 25 at 5:09 a.m. EST.